Expert Commends Ogun Govt On Development Of Agriculture

BY ABIOLA RUFAI

ILARO: Prince Dapo Abiodun led government in Ogun State has been commended for its efforts towards the development of agriculture in the state.

The Director of Production, Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, Ibadan, Dr. Semiu Olalekan Ogunwolu gave the commendation in Ilaro, Ogun State during a day seminar organized by Yewa Chambers of Commerce, Indusry, Mine and Agriculture (YECCIMA) to train farmers in the area of cashew production and its exporting advantage.

Mr. Ogunwolu who pointed out that he has been following the new administration in Ogun state, stated that the state government’s Anchor Borrowers’ Programme is designed at ensuring that farmers in the state make good profit, adding that agricultural programmes of the state Governor is geared towards promoting mechanised farming.

He said that if the government is committed to it’s plans and laid down programmes on agriculture, the state in no distance time would become the food basket of Nigeria.

The Agric Expert called on the state government to also promote cashew production which according to him could generate foreign exchange earning and employment for the state government.

Mr. Ogunwolu stated that the objective of the seminar was to expose farmers in the state to the advantages in cashew production and benefits of its exportation with a call on the participants to take advantage of the training.

On his own, the President of YECCIMA, Alhaji Sijuwade Idowu-Onigbami urged companies and individuals not to leave the development of the economy with the government alone while pointing out that Ogun state role in cashew production in South West could not be over emphasized.

The YECCIMA President who stressed that cashew farming is one of the most profitable farming business, urged farmers in the state to develop more interest in its production in order to generate more income and create employment for the youths.

“Ogun State has played a vital role in cashew production in South West and her role cannot be over emphasized. Cashew farming is one of the most profitable farming business.

“I want to use this medium to encourage our farmers to develop more interest in its production, because it will enable them to generate more income and at the same time create employment opportunity for our youths”, Alhaji Sijuade posited.